One of the important aspects of such research, not only for ourselves, but for
those who read what we write and who, as Robin Reed suggests, must attempt to
follow the intuitive leaps that we make, is identification of who we are, what
background we come from, what presuppositions we begin our research with--In
other words, the personal grounding of our research. If I know where you come
from, I can much better understand where you are going and why you come up with
different "leaps" than I might and how your intuitive leaps might enrich my own
understanding. Making these standpoints clear from the beginning is essential
for clear communication and for exacting research.
Sherrill Nilson
Robin Reed wrote:
> In a message dated 1/3/00 6:49:49 PM !!!First Boot!!!, [log in to unmask]
> writes:
>
> << We can almost always find what we are looking FOR, it is when we are not
> really looking for specifics but looking for patterns in the available data
> while doing our best to identify and admit to our own prejudices that we find
> the most valuable information. >>
>
> I think that is in essence what we are doing - identifying the underlying
> pattern within prehistoric culture that doesn't go along with the currently
> expressed view of humankind.
>
> I also would hate to see us limit that intuitive leap of knowledge that
> inevitably plays an important part in gaining knowledge. There's nothing
> wrong with expecting exacting research and the appropriate application of
> methodology in conducting that research, but there is more to the process
> than dotting an i and crossing a t.
>
> So many of our greatest leaps have been due to a preconceived idea or thought
> that we can't turn a deaf ear and a blind eye to it. Of course, this is the
> area that drives people crazy - trying to figure out how someone made that
> "leap." However, therein lies the basis of genius - that ability to catch a
> glimmer of some knowledge and find a way to use or present it to others - not
> necessarily explain how it happened. It's not as easy as a simple
> mathematical formula that builds upon itself step by unerring step. In the
> scientific method that for something to be proven it must be able to be
> replicated by anyone who follows the same steps. But, how did the
> originating individual realize those first steps when no one else could?
> Someone looked at a pattern or an idea and through some marvel of human
> intelligence, the leap occurred. That process is as intricate and yet as
> vague as the mystery of life itself.
>
> I'm reminded of Darwin who, after presenting the concept of natural
> selection, spent the rest of his life trying to prove to himself how he
> figured it out and if it was factual. What a scientist. He wanted to be
> able to see the steps that brought him to that stage of knowledge, but so
> much of what enabled him to reach that leap occurred within his own mind and
> the processing that happened through a combination of academic learning and
> common live experiences that so often cannot be put into words.
>
> If we could find the formula for how genius insight occurs, then we could
> control it and manipulate it. Control - sounds like a pretty patriarchal
> concept. For me personally, I am fascinated with this process and I agree
> with you that it's the patterns that lead to such knowledge.
>
> ---------------------------------------------------------
>
> I had earlier related that << There are clues in the past as to how people
> thought and what they believed. It's just a matter of analysis and
> interpretation.>>
>
> Peter responded with: <<Analysis and interpretation? Rather necromancy and
> telepathy, I am afraid. >>
>
> I have to admit I smiled when I read his response. So predictable that it
> doesn't even phase me anymore. That has always been the response to new
> ideas and theories that don't conform to the norm. Peter, everyone has a
> right to their opinions and many will never have the openness to expand them.
> I'm not involved in this type of research to create a new "religion." I am
> here on a quest for knowledge and as much as possible for "truth." Just as
> Darwin, I have the same opportunity to put my education and life experiences
> to work on analyzing and interpreting data related to a particular pattern.
> Who knows? Perhaps an epiphany will occur. Perhaps not. Perhaps all I will
> contribute to this area of knowledge is more data for the next person.
>
> I do know without a doubt that anything I present will illicit controversy.
> Some people will support my findings while others will vehemently oppose
> them. It would be rather arrogant and egotistical for me to expect everyone
> to agree with my particular interpretation of an area that is considered
> subjective. However, I have no intentions of allowing that to silence my
> scientific research into the past. I see the clues and patterns and I will
> spend the rest of my life attempting to document, analysis and interpret them
> just as others will continue to do the same with the patterns they encounter.
>
> What a wonderful way to spend this lifetime.
>
> Robin Reed
>
> * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
>
> ANAHITA:
> ** To unsubscribe send the message 'UNSUBscribe ANAHITA' to
> [log in to unmask] with a blank subject line.
>
> ** To subscribe send the message 'SUBscribe ANAHITA Firstname Lastname' to
> [log in to unmask] with a blank subject line.
>
> ** To post to the group, send your message to [log in to unmask]
>
> ** If you have any trouble, send a message about it to
> the list owners at the generic address: [log in to unmask]
>
> Anahita's archives: http://lsv.uky.edu/archives/anahita.html
>
> Diotima's address: http://www.uky.edu/AS/Classics/gender.html
--
Sherrill Nilson
25 Estrella de la Maņana
Santa Fe, New Mexico 87505
[log in to unmask]
505 466 0453
fax 466 1903
If I can't laugh at myself, someone else is usually happy to do it for me.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
ANAHITA:
** To unsubscribe send the message 'UNSUBscribe ANAHITA' to
[log in to unmask] with a blank subject line.
** To subscribe send the message 'SUBscribe ANAHITA Firstname Lastname' to
[log in to unmask] with a blank subject line.
** To post to the group, send your message to [log in to unmask]
** If you have any trouble, send a message about it to
the list owners at the generic address: [log in to unmask]
Anahita's archives: http://lsv.uky.edu/archives/anahita.html
Diotima's address: http://www.uky.edu/AS/Classics/gender.html